I am, by nature, a planner. I like to have things organized and prepared, whether that be for the math classes I teach, the tasks I want to tackle at home on a given weekend, or just the Kaschinske athletics and activities schedule. Maybe you are a bit of a planner, too. We make plans regarding simple daily activities and plans regarding larger events, like Thanksgiving celebrations and family vacations. When things don’t go according to plan, as has been the case during the pandemic of 2020, we find ourselves disappointed about the events on which we have missed out.
Around CLHS, many of the most cherished events have plans that have been altered or scrapped altogether in this crazy year. Concordia Day, a day filled with excitement and enthusiasm for many future Cadets, had no 8th grade students visiting campus. The annual auction fundraiser, which has been formed by countless number of hours of planning, will be held virtually to help keep individuals safe. Christmas at the Embassy and many other events also are likely to be altered in some fashion, where planning committees are now perhaps on Plan W or Plan X instead of Plan A.
Maybe the Lord is reminding us of what could be considered the theme verses of the COVID-19 pandemic: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow … Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will do this or that.’" (James 4:13-15) Though we like to think that we are in control of our daily activities, the Lord may using this time to remind us that He ordains our steps. In fact, our Savior taught us to pray, “Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, …” encouraging us to put each day into the hands of the Lord.
May the Lord give us hearts and minds that trust Him each day for our provision, and may He align our plans to His good and perfect plan.
Eric Kaschinske,
Math Teacher and Department Chair